Ghana has officially launched its first Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade (FLEGT) license, becoming the first country in Africa and the second in the world after Indonesia to export timber to the European Union under strict legality and sustainability standards.
This landmark achievement culminates a 16-year reform journey that began in 2009 when Ghana signed a Voluntary Partnership Agreement (VPA) with the EU.
Delivering an address on behalf of the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, the Chief Director of the Ministry, Innocent Haligah, described the milestone as proof of Ghana’s “commitment to protect forests, uphold the rule of law, and ensure ethically sourced timber.”
He explained that the newly developed Ghana Legality Assurance System (GhLAS) will track timber from forest to export, guaranteeing full compliance with international standards.
Mr. Haligah commended the timber industry, civil society, and international partners—particularly the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), Palladium, and the European Forest Institute—for their sustained support.
“This achievement signals that Ghana is ready to trade responsibly and set a global standard for sustainable forest management,” he added, warning that illegal loggers and galamsey operators will face the full rigors of the law.
The Acting Chief Executive of the Forestry Commission, Dr. Hugh Brown, reflected on the long development process, noting that the Timber Legality Assurance System (T-LAS) has transformed sector governance by establishing a clear chain of custody from the forest to the point of export. He confirmed that the robust data system underpinning T-LAS enhances transparency, accelerates decision-making, and promotes stakeholder participation.
The Chairman of the occasion and President of the Central Regional House of Chiefs, Odeefuo Amoakwa Buadu VIII, applauded the collective efforts of policymakers, technocrats, civil society, development partners, and industry players.
